2002: The Year In Review
© Paula E. Kirman
The year 2002 has been unlike any other in the world of Canadian Literature. Both internationally and at home, Canadian writers and works have been tearing up the best-seller lists, and winning or being short-listed for numerous awards. Plus, the insecure world of publishing also had its share of shakeups this past year. It certainly seems like Canadian Literature is on everyone's minds, lips, and reading lists these days!
The Booker Prize is one of literature's most prestious awards. Three Canadian works were in the running: Unless from Carol Shields, Life of Pi from Yann Martel, and Family Matters by Rohinton Mistry. Martel ultimately won, and his novel continues to be one of Canada's most read titles.
Best-seller lists and the New York Times are almost synonymous. No less than eight Canadian novels were listed on the NY Times list of notable books for the year: the aforementioned titles from Shields, Mistry, and Martel, as well as The Lost Garden from Helen Humphreys, The Navigator of New York by Wayne Johnston, Cow by Mary Lawson, Enemy Woman by Paulette Jiles, and Skin Folk by Nalo Hopkinson.
At home, Life of Pi stormed up the best-seller lists, and Shields' work, as always, did extremely well, other well-known Canadian writers such as poet Erin Mouré, Guy Vanderhaege, and Austin Clarke offered excellent new titles.
New and emerging authors also had their day in 2002. Lisa Moore (Open), Christy Ann Conlin (Heave) and Mary Lawson (Crow Lake) proved once again that Canada has a lot of literary talent to offer, and will continue into the future.
Unfortunately, 2002 was not without it's share of sadness too. Canada lost the great playwrite and novelist Timothy Findley after a lengthy illness. The Canadian Literature scene will never be the same.
Canadian Publishers took their share of hits also this past year. This year marked the demise of Stoddart Publishing, one of the nations most respected small/medium publishers. This left many smaller publishers very nervous. Some survived, others didn't, and only time will tell what 2003 will bring.
The world of Canadian Literature is always growing and changing. Let's raise a virtual glass to toast the new year, and look forward to another years of reading, writing, and discussions.
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